Local leaders meet to discuss massive fish kill

County commissioner's meeting set for 9 a.m. Tuesday

It's an image we've seen for the past week along a Central Florida waterway: countless dead fish. Chris Hush (@ChrisHushWESH) has the latest update on the cleanup effort. Leaders and residents are working to find a way to save the lagoon.

In 2013, WESH 2's Dan Billow reported on what was then a strange, new occurrence -- Brown Tide, which could be caused by pollution from many different sources. Now, three years later, biologists believe it's more than likely responsible for the massive fish kill.

Last week, thousands of dead fish covered the lagoon and Banana River. Some say it's the largest fish kill they've seen there and longtime residents are angry.

"I think that now we need to change our priorities," said Trudie Infantini, Brevard County Commissioner.

Infantini is set to introduce two resolutions, hoping to save the lagoon. She's making it a top priority to clean up.

"Higher than economic development, for instance," Infantini said.

Infantini plans to ask Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency, which would provide funding.

"With the funding, perhaps I can close up some of the stormwater drains, where we have the outflow," Infantini said.

Infantini suggested a similar resolution in 2013. She hopes the two new resolutions will pass during Tuesday's county commissioner's meeting.

"It's scary. This could be the end of the river. It could kill the river," said Phil Galloway, who runs kayak tours.

In the meantime, the fish kills threaten the businesses that live off of the now-murky waters.

Gov. Scott had a conference call Monday with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials to get an update on the problem.

Tuesday's county commission meeting started at 9 a.m. Proposed resolutions to protect the waters are at the top of the agenda.